Several dark-complexioned men, in company with Vasco Bilette, had dismounted from their horses and were watching the bathers.
"Well, I'm glad they decided to stop," remarked Vasco. "Our horses are tired from following their trail. They will probably camp for the night on the other bank, for they would be foolish to go farther when they can find good water and fodder."
"You forget they do not have a horse to consider," spoke one of the Mexicans. "Their machine does not eat."
"No more it does," said Bilette. "But they cannot go much farther. If necessary, we can cross the river and get at them."
"Is that Noddy boy and his puff-puff carriage to join us?" asked one of the crowd of Mexicans.
"That is the plan," replied Vasco. "He thought we could follow the trail on horses better than he could in the automobile, because that makes a noise, and those we are pursuing might hear it. So Noddy has kept about five miles behind. As for us, you know that we have been only a mile in the rear, thanks to the slowness with which they had to run their machine.
"Ah, the _Americanos_ have finished their bath. Here they come back," went on Vasco, as the boys and the professor began wading toward the shore, near which they had left their auto.
Suddenly the professor set up a great splashing and made a grab under the water.
"I've got it! I've got it!" he yelled, holding something aloft.
"A rare specimen of the green-clawed crab," was the answer, and the naturalist held up to view a wiggling crawfish. "It bit my big toe, but I grabbed it before it got away. This was indeed a profitable bath for me. That specimen is worth one hundred dollars."
"If there are crabs in there I don't see why there aren't fish," spoke Ned. "I'm going to try, anyhow."
Quickly dressing, he got out a line and hook, cut a pole and, with a grasshopper for bait, threw in. In three minutes he had landed a fine big fish, and several others followed in succession.
"I guess we'll have one good meal, anyhow," observed Ned.
"Shall we stay on this side and eat, or cross the river?" asked the professor.
"Might as well stay here," was Jerry's opinion.
So the portable stove was made ready and soon the appetizing smell of frying fish filled the air. The travelers made a good meal, and Vasco Bilette and his gang, hiding among the trees, smoked their cigarettes and wished they had a portion.